As the hangover from Gasparilla fades into the rearview, Tampa Bay can look forward to more binge drinking antics during local Mardi Gras celebrations.
Although the tradition of “Fat Tuesday” and the Mardi Gras parade is home to New Orleans, Tampa Bay bars and restaurants won’t pass up a reason to offer themed parties and drink specials—and we’re not complaining.
Here are some joints around town that are hosting Mardi Gras specials. kicking off Friday, Feb. 21 and running through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 25.
American Social From Friday through Fat Tuesday, American Social offers specials, events and promotions. Food and drink specials running all five days include $8 hurricanes, $5 Abita Purple Haze and $10 oyster po’ boys. Saturday features free bottomless mimosas for the ladies from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with purchase of an entree, along with the celebration of National Margarita Day with specials ranging from $6-$42 depending on your type of tequila. Sunday is dedicated to a Mardi Gras-themed brunch party. Feb. 21-Feb. 26. 601 S. Harbor Island Blvd. Suite 107, Tampa. INFO
Big Easy Bar The Ybor City concept is hosting a full-blown New Orleans-inspired bash with food, drinks, music and burlesque performances by Miss TigerLily and Mayven Missbehavin. The event is sponsored by Jack Daniels so be prepared for swag giveaways and raffles. No entry fee, but you must grab a free ticket from Eventbrite before arriving. Tues. Feb. 25. 8 p.m.-midnight. 1704 E. 7th Ave., Tampa. eventbrite.com
Busch Gardens After you’re done taking on all the coasters Busch Gardens Tampa has to offer, you can sample Mardi Gras-themed dishes and cocktails along with live entertainment. The Moroccan Palace Plaza hosts New Orleans street performers tossing beads to attendees. Mardi Gras-inspired classics like shrimp po’ boy, jambalaya, as well as fresh beignets. Sat.-Sun. Feb. 22-Feb. 23. Noon-7 p.m. Included with park admission. 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com
Cajun on the Bayou The restaurant is opening for Fat Tuesday and taking reservations so locals can fill up on Cajun-inspired dishes served buffet-style. Time to take this whole “glutton” thing to the next level. Make a reservation by calling (727) 546-6732. Tues. Feb. 25. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. 8260 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. INFO
Dunedin Mardi Gras Parade & Festival Downtown The Dunedin Merchants Association goes all out for this year’s festival, opening at noon with vendors flooding Main Street with food, drinks and goods for sale. The Association is also working on having two stages with music featuring local and regional acts. The parade along Douglas Ave. kicks off at 7 p.m. so make sure to get prime seating with the fam. Sat. Feb. 22. Noon-8:30 p.m. Downtown Dunedin. INFO
First Chance Last Chance First Chance Last Chance in Ybor City throws a themed party every first Friday of the month. But, lucky for us, its next installment is Mardi Gras themed, with $3 king cake shots and $6 Hurricanes from open to close. DJ Shannon C spins earlier in the day during Happy Hour, and DJ Qeys closes the night from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m., but you won’t know what time it is after too many king cake shots anyway. Fri., Feb. 7. 5 p.m. First Chance Last Chance Bar, 1707 N 16th St., Tampa. INFO
MacDinton’s MacDinton’s in South Tampa is known for its never-ending party atmosphere, and Tuesday night’s Mardi Gras celebration certainly won’t be any different. Party New Orleans style and drink the night away. Tues., Feb. 25. 4 p.m. MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. INFO
The Blue Note The Blue Note is the place to be if you love New Orleans-style music just as much as you love drink specials. The man of the hour will be Swampdragon aka DJ Swampy, who DJ’d on Bourbon St. for over 14 years. Get ready to jam to some good ole’ NOLA Zydeco, Cajun, and jazz jams while sipping on some New Orleans-inspired craft cocktails courtesy of The Blue Note. Tues., Feb. 25. $7. 6 p.m. The Blue Note, 1510 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. INFO
Yard of Ale Tampa’s Yard of Ale is giving us all an excuse to drink heavily on a Tuesday night at its outdoor Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras celebration. Although there are no drink specials listed yet, Yard of Ale wants you to “party New Orleans style,” so interpret that as you will. This special Fat Tuesday shindig is hosted by its location in SoHo, Tampa—but if you end up at the St. Pete location, at least you can still drink. Tues., Feb. 25. 5 p.m. Yard of Ale, 406 South Howard Ave., Tampa. INFO
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This article appears in Feb 6-13, 2020.
